HCMC – The National Assembly (NA) has approved an investment policy for a railway connecting Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Haiphong in northern Vietnam, aiming to enhance trade and transport connectivity with China, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The project, with an estimated cost of VND203.2 trillion, will pass through nine provinces and centrally-governed cities, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Haiphong. It will start at the new Lao Cai station, connecting with China’s Hekou North station, and end at Lach Huyen Port in Haiphong City.
The 390.9-kilometer railway will feature a 1,435mm track and accommodate both passenger and freight transport. Trains will operate at speeds ranging from 80 to 160 km/h. The project includes 27.9 kilometers of branch track and will use electrified rail technology.
Funding sources will include government bonds, official development assistance (ODA), and budget savings, with no impact on the fiscal deficit. Preferential foreign loans will be utilized according to regulations without requiring additional project proposals.
Local authorities will oversee land use and infrastructure planning around stations. In cases where new zoning plans conflict with previous ones, railway-related zoning will take precedence. Provincial councils will finance land clearance and resettlement efforts.
Half of the revenue from land near railway stations will go to local governments, while the remainder will be allocated to the central budget.
